| Supply chain (SC) | Cluster supply chain (CSC) |
Distance | Far and in different areas | Close and in the same area |
Relationship | Loose | Close |
Number of nodes | Less nodes | More nodes |
Restriction mechanism | Contract | Interdependence and mutual trust |
Network structure | A single and long chain | Complex network |
Information transfer | Formal | Informal and formal |
Information sharing | Low efficient | Quick and efficient |
External supporting | Obtained from market | Obtained from local |
External substitution | Low | High |
Switching costs | High | Low |
Production flexibility | Low | High |
Productivity | Low | High |
Competition type | Inter chain competition | Fierce homogeneous competition |